Jackson Irreconcilable Differences Divorce Attorney

Irreconcilable differences divorces, sometimes called “no-fault” divorces, are authorized by Mississippi State Statute Number 93-5-2. This statute was passed by the Mississippi Legislature in 1976 to afford people who wanted a divorce an opportunity to obtain a divorce without any allegation of fault by either party. Both parties must agree to divorce, however, and must come to an agreement regarding all issues related to the legal end of a marriage: property distribution, custody, support, and more.

An irreconcilable differences divorce may be in your best interests, but it is important to have a competent lawyer who can protect your interests. You may have specific needs and concerns, and by protecting your rights through divorce proceedings, your Jackson irreconcilable differences divorces attorney can help you pursue an advantageous outcome. Your post-divorce life can be a bright and stable one with the right attorney in your corner.

Serving Madison & Rankin Counties for 40 years. Contact Chinn & Associates today to discuss your divorce options.

Consensus Required for Mississippi No-Fault Divorce

The Irreconcilable Differences Divorce Statute allows for a divorce by agreement of the parties. Agreement of the parties is essential, as no irreconcilable differences divorce can be forced upon either party. The statute requires the parties to agree as to the obtaining of a divorce and to custody and support of the children, settlement of any property rights between the parties, payment of debts, distribution of personal possessions, payment of alimony, and all other things and matters and issues between the parties. Without such an agreement, the Final Decree of Divorce cannot be obtained.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Divorce Process in Jackson

• With an irreconcilable divorce in Mississippi, the procedure is to file a Joint Complaint for Divorce in the Chancery Court where either party resides or to serve a Complaint for Divorce where the Defendant resides. If a Joint Complaint is filed, then the parties are obviously in agreement and may proceed. If the Complaint is served upon the opposing party, however, no divorce can be obtained without that party ultimately entering into an agreement for divorce.
• In either case, after 60 days has run from the date of the filing of the Joint Complaint, or the service of the Complaint on the other party, the Final Decree of Divorce may be presented to the court. At the time of presentation of the Final Decree of Divorce, the parties must have executed the agreement set forth above. In addition, some courts require the parties to execute a financial statement for submission to the court.
• During the 60-day waiting period, a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences may not be obtained. The Legislature designed this waiting period to ensure that people really want to obtain divorces. Any party may stop the divorce process not only within the 60-day period but during the period after the running of the 60 days before the filing of the Final Decree of Divorce.
• It must be noted that the divorce is not automatically final 60 days after the filing of the Complaint. As a matter of fact, it normally takes 1 to 2 weeks after the running of the 60 days for the attorney to arrange an appointment with the Chancellor to sign the Final Decree. This depends on the Court schedules and the Court dockets, as well as the schedules of the attorneys. Every divorce client should be aware that there will be some delay following the running of the 60 days. A divorce exactly at the end of 60 days should not be expected.

In addition to proceeding by Joint Complaint, attorneys frequently build into every fault complaint an alternative allegation of a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. This allows the parties to reach an agreement after the fault complaint is filed and then decide to proceed on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. If that is the case, then the process is the same.

Choose Chinn & Associates for Your Divorce in Jackson, MS

Many rights are involved with regard to divorces on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. These rights affect the future for all parties, especially children. No one should enter into a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences without having consulted an attorney. With 40 years of legal experience, Jackson irreconcilable differences divorces lawyer Mark Chinn can provide the level of counsel and support you need.

Ready to Start? Contact Us at (601) 202-5594 for a Personalized Divorce Consultation.